Xenical gets off to strong start in USA

Roche's new anti-obesity treatment Xenical (orlistat) has got off to astrong start in the USA following its launch on April 26. For the week ended April 30, data from IMS Health show that 3,708 prescriptions were written, while other sources note that in its first full week on the market (to May 7), more than 24,000 prescriptions were dispensed. It is thought that Roche's drug is already getting more new prescriptions in the USA than its main competitor, Knoll's Meridia (sibutramine), which was launched over a year ago.

Internet sales causing concern

Sales of Xenical over the Internet are causing concern, however, as web sites, some based in countries where the drug is not approved, are offering the treatment online. For its part, Roche has been emphasizing that Xenical is a treatment for significantly obese people and has to be used in combination with a healthy diet, although it acknowledges that there will be some misuse, and regulation of Internet sales is almost impossible at present.